I did not want to write about this topic because it was too sensitive, too personal for me. Too many of my friends and family are victims of it. I wanted to keep my mouth shut. But what do you do when despite the praise for feminine atttributes all over the media, so many people still say: ” My daughter ‘s breasts are growing too fast ! Everything must be done to massage them in “.

The Instruments They Use

They use stones, plantain peels and leaves of the “Ngwollne” tree ( I say in my mother tongue) that are heated on a wooden fire. And breast clamps too!

Once everything is red hot, they are pushed against bare breasts, again and again. The little girl, who believes this is the norm, screams in pain. It is obviously painful. But her mother tells her that everything is fine and that it is for her own good.

Some women after this procedure put clamps on the chest of their daughter. The fabric is made of elastic material that is used to compress the breasts of the girl, to flatten them.

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This is nothing short of torture!
Almost akin to the Chinese practice of ‘clubbing’ young girl’s feet, so they remain small.
When will humanity finally grow up and accept their role in BEING adults, and halt these barbaric practices?

What she doesn’t tell you is the reason mothers do this in Cameroon, is to keep the eyes of the hyenas off their young daughters. They are often left pregnant (and possibly HIV positive) which is a financial burden on the family. It is difficult to marry as well. So the tortuous routine of hiding their budding womanhood begins.